The Traitor Among Us by Anne Perry is an Elena Standish novel. Times in England are difficult. There is much support of Adolph Hitler, much support for no more war, and sometimes they appear to be the same. Elena has been sent to a house party at the home of her sister’s, hopefully soon, betrothed. There is worry that the wrong people could use her against her father, a former ambassador, and her grandfather, the former head of MI6, although that is not a widely known fact. Another agent, John Allenby is attending, as a possible candidate for her hand. Their primary mission is to find who killed an agent, John Repton, who had been working nearby, why, and also to protect Margot, Elena’s sister. They are mostly a congenial group and someone knowledgable at MI6 had helped Elena put together a wardrobe so she would not embarrass her sister. As they days passed, things got increasingly worrisome.

Elena is a terrific character, well-written by Perry and well-loved by her family and readers. She is a young woman who made a mistake but has turned that into a career as a “spy,” and has done well with it. No one in her family is aware of her chosen profession except her grandparents: her grandfather because of his position, and her grandmother, because it it not possible to keep a secret from her. They are worried. One person has been killed. They don’t want the next to be either of their granddaughters. John Allenby is not really behaving as it he is enthralled with Elena and that is stirring suspicion, although not necessarily that they are spies. It is an intriguing story of politics and deception. A good plot, a good book. We will miss Anne Perry.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Traitor Among Us by Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #AnnePerry #TheTraitorAmongUs

An exciting mystery from start to finish! AND, will love find Elena?

An MI6 agent, presumed by many to be retired, is found dead in a ditch near the home of the Wyndham's, an influential family. Elena Standish, main character in Anne Perry's fifth book in this series, is paired with James Allenby, another agent, to investigate the family's involvement with Oswald Moseley's blackshirts and with Hitler himself. The year is 1934. Also concerning is King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson's admiration of Hitler.

Adding to the tension is Margot's-- Elena's sister--engagement to one of the Wyndhams. Will Elena's work threaten Margot's new-found happiness?

Elena and James wrangle an invitation to the Wyndham's celebration of the engagement. By day they participate in the festivities and by night make secret excursions to places that may hold clues to the murdered agent's case.

I've been reading Anne Perry's books for 30 years. I don't know what books are in the pipeline, but I will miss having a new one to read from time to time. She was something special.

Ripping good novel replete with tension, danger and riddles.

A tramp has been found dead in a ditch. It turns out to be an MI6 agent nearing retirement who’s been watching Wyndham Hall. It seems Agent John Repton was most likely killed on or near the estates of the very well connected Sir David Wyndham. His body has possibly been moved there after death. No-one quite knows what he was doing in that area. The What’s and Why’s are definitely piling up.
Lucas Standish recommends his granddaughter Elena be part of the team that investigates, along with James Allenby whom Eleanor had last seen in Boston. And Yes, that had been an exhausting and dangerous time!
Repton had been Allenby's mentor. For James this is personal.
Elena’s sister Margot looks set to become engaged to Geoffrey Baden, Sir David’s brother-in-law. A house party being thrown to bring the two together will give Elena an entree. Margot is rather disturbed about Elena being there. As far as she knows Elena had that disastrous affair with Aiden Strother that had Elena dismissed from the Foreign Office, and James Allenby seems just like him. Margot has more than a few surprises coming.
Elena and Allenby’s investigations lead to alarming links between the Wyndhams, the Prince of Wales and Mrs Simpson, and Sir Oswald Mosley.
Things come to a rather nasty head.
I finally feel more empathy with Elena. She’s come a long way and Lucas’ trust in her is rewarded.
The dark side of politics at this time is never more present.
Great read!

A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I look forward to Elena Standish novels - and this one doesn't disappoint. The settings feel authentic, the characters genuine, and the mystery to be solved is intriguing. Ok - that's basic.

What I liked about this story is that it kept me turning the page, wondering what was coming next. I was cheering for those doing well and damning those creating trouble. You've got to pick up a copy for your next trip or your commute. I promise the hours will fly by.

In the fifth, and probably last installment of the Elena Standish series (Anne Perry died early in 2023), Elena gets caught up in an investigation involving the wealthy Wyndham family, who is rumored to be involved with fascist, after a member of MI6 is found shot outside the Wyndams' estate. Complicating manners is Elena's older sister, Margot, who has fallen in love with one of the members of the Wyndam family. Elena and Margot are odds throughout the book. Margot lost her husband in World War I, and after years of being alone, she thinks she has finally found happiness--so she can't understand why her sister can't be happy, too. Of course, Margot has no idea that Elena is really working MI6 and investigating her new beau's family. James Allenby, Elena's colleague from previous books, also plays a role in the story, and the romantic tension between him and Elena continues to build throughout the novel. There are also cameos by the Prince of Wales, David Windsor, and his mistress Wallis Simpson--both of whom are supposedly Nazi-sympathizers.

While the story is interesting, there's a lot of melodramatic dialogue in this book that stifled my enjoyment. The plot was interesting, but at times it seemed rushed. Still, I will miss Anne Perry's various historical mystery series, especially the Pitt series, which I followed for close to 30 years. I preferred her Victorian social mysteries over her political espionage novels, but even a lesser Perry novel makes for a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my opinions.

When John Repton is found dead near Wyndham Hall, Lucas Standish ex head of MI6 talks with current head Peter Howard and suggests that his granddaughter, Elena should go to Wyndham Hall to try to find out what happened. He also suggests that James Allenby go with her and they pretend to be a pair. It's between the wars, and England is divided between those who favor war never again and want to appease Hitler, and those who understand Hitler will start war regardless, and that they must prepare and be ready for inevitable war. Elena's sister, Margot, appears to be in love with Geoffry Baden, the brother of David Wyndham's wife, Griselda. Elena's sister, Margot, arranges for James and Elena to go to Wyndham Hall.

Shortly after Elena and James arrive, they go out to the garden to look around. They find blood splashes where Repton was shot, and the probable gun. During the night, James and Elena sneak off to drive to Repton's house. However, someone must have noticed because they soon find someone is shooting at the them.

Elena has brought her camera to Wyndham Hall. When they go to a party including Edward, Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson, she gets some very good pictures of them. Whey they go to Repton's home, someone shoots at them.

Elena and James are sure that at least one person in the household is supporting the Nazi's, but she also realizes that Margot is in love again after her first husband was killed in the war very shortly after her marriage, and Elena wants her to have a better life with a new husband. Things become very tense and exciting after someone realizes Elena may be dangerous to them. The big question is who is it?

This is a great addition to the series. I thank Netgalley and Random House for providing me with an ARC.

This is book 5 in the Elena Standish series by Anne Perry. I have enjoyed many books by this author including ones from this series.

This book takes place during a time when Hitler is coming into power. In England there are people who support Hitler and will do anything they can to make sure that people are elected who also support him. On the other hand, there are many who are concerned about becoming like Hitler if certain people are elected into high positions in their own country.

Like other books by this author, this does not contain sex or bad language. It is a pleasure to read a book like this with a carefully plotted story that is well told. I also thoroughly enjoy the main character, Elena, who is a strong female.

I feel this is a 5 star book.

The Traitor Among Us by Anne Perry is an Elena Standish Novel. This book combines the drama of MI6 with the cozy British mystery. I loved the author’s characterization of the time period and characters. The plot moved slowly but steadily, perfect for a cozy-type mystery. Great read overall! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

"'Disillusion is one of the sharpest pains I can think of. It tears down the foundation of so many other things as well, staring with your belief in your own judgment. If you can be wrong in this, what else are you mistaken in?'"

I was late to the Anne Perry party, and I was truly saddened by her passing earlier this year. This sadness is tempered by the knowledge I have a huge backlist to enjoy. #ATraitorAmongUs is the first book I've read in the Elena Standish series, and I enjoyed it immensely (despite the fact spy novels are not really my thing.) It took me several chapters to get into the story, and I found that besides the mystery to solve, Ms. Perry serves up many bon mots and life lessons. I love her characters, who are shaded all kinds of greys, and at some point, the novel became incredibly tense as Elena and Allenby attempt to ferret out the murderer. Adding to this is the tension between Elena and her sister Margot (snob!) and the knowledge that someone knows why Elena and Allenby have come to Wyndham Hall.

I missed these characters when I finished and found myself thinking about them, and longing to read more. And so, I will. Highly recommend.

P.S. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.

Taking place in England in the build up to WWII, it is hard to know who to trust, who is on your side, or on the enemy’s. Elena has to carefully investigate a murder while taking her sister’s connections into consideration. She does not know who to trust, including her investigation partner or her sister. This book shows the intricacies of post war feelings where everybody lost somebody while another war is looming. There are some familiar names in it, of well known fascists in real life, and the connections of everybody during that time. If you like historical fiction especially WWII, I highly recommend this series.

The Traitor Among Us is a great cozy murder mystery. This was my first experience with an Elena Standish novel, and I suspect the characters back stories would have flowed better had I read the others, but this book did a great job standing on its own as well.

The set up reminds me of Clue a bit: a man is found murdered on the estates of a large wealthy family and the main character, Elena (undercover agent of the M16) is invited to attend a weeklong gathering with her “beau” (field partner for M16). Her cover to be there is in celebration of her sister who may be very soon ready to announce her engagement to a relative of the family. Elena’s mission is to find out what happened to the murdered gentleman. As the week progresses, the stakes are raised as more and more clues start to point the finger at a member of the family itself.

The premise of the story required a fair bit of willing suspension of disbelief- there were parts of it that simply were not realistic for the field of reconnaissance, but if you can take it all for face value and not overthink it all, this book is a fun fall weekend cozied up in the mountains kind of read.

I’d like to thank both RandomHouse and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The growth of Elena as an agent for M16 into a confident woman is tested by dealing with her older sister on a case. Again it's 1939 with Hitler on the rise as in the last book of this series, she works with Allenby to flush out suspects in a murder of a fellow agent. The invitation into high society is through her older sister under the guise to get to know her new boyfriend and family, but her sister only sees her as an immature jealous, head strong nothing going nowhere with her "photo hobby". We do get her sister's POV in the later chapters, and when I once felt compassion for her, I lost that as if any one was jealous it was her of Elena. Many different things happen on several levels both personal and job, and come to head as time is running out for the murder to be solved as well as flushing out the traitors. The story was an unable to put down as we get towards the end with suspenseful aspects on all levels. I can hope Ms Perry had another manuscript to tie up Elena's future to be found after her death, I have enjoyed this series very much and thank NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced read.

Fans of the Elena Standish series by Anne Perry will want to immediately pick up The Traitor among us, the fifth (and most likely the last) installment of the series. Tragically, Anne Perry, one of the most celebrated and bestselling historical fiction authors, died in April. Those of us who love Perry’s books will want to savor every minute of this excellent novel where Elena Standish is paired with James Allenby, another M16 operative, to solve the murder of John Repton, who was found on the grounds of Wyndam Hall, the estate of a very prominent and wealthy family. Elena’s sister, Margot, is engaged to one of the family members and is staying at the estate. Elena and Allenby use this as an excuse to be invited to visit and stay while investigating and solving the murder.

Even to the end, Perry uses her research and expertise in the historical period as a backdrop for an excellent novel. She has a way of making readers feel they are living in the time. She also does an excellent job of developing her characters. The protagonist, Elena Standish, is believable as a real person, and the supporting characters seem real as well. Perry has a way of making them real.

There are twists and turns in the novel, and the scenarios keep readers on the edge of their seats. Elena risks ruining her sister’s happiness if she exposes the family corruption, and while she hopes her sister’s fiancé isn’t involved, it gets very touchy as she and Allenby get closer to solving the case.

Most Ann Perry fans will enjoy this novel, and will be upset that there are no more to come.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

A very slow burn, TheTraitor Among Us, turned out to be a beautifully written, typically detailed British who done it, the ending of which was impossible to predict. Elena Standish and her colleague James Allenby, both MI6 agents, are charged with finding the murderer of another agent, whose death appears to be tied to an unknown investigation. Set in a beautiful old mansion, owned by the very wealthy Wyndham family , at the onset of Hitler’s rise to power, Elena and James need to penetrate the family to find the likely suspect (s).
The plot thickens as Elena’s sister, Margot, becomes engaged to lady Wyndam’s brother.. How can Elena investigate her future bother in law’s family, and his potential for being a killer and Nazi sympathizer, without totally alienating her sister?
Many twists and turns later, and a story which includes Nazi supporters at the very top of British royalty, there comes an action packed somewhat surprising ending told in the slow and steady style that makes the British mystery a genre unto itself.
Four stars for an enjoyable read by Anne Perry, who knows how to keep the suspense going. Publication date is September 12,2023. Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine books for providing my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a true fan of Anne Perry and was delighted when she started her Elena Standish series. I am sad there will not be anymore. She created a strong and very human heroine. Elena teams back up with Allenby to help solve the mystery of who killed a fellow agent. In this case, the murder happened at the home of an influential and wealthy family with whom her sister Margot is close. I think the dialog used to nudge you to think is one of the very best parts of Perry’s writing. She pulls you through the twists and turns of the story and shares how the protagonists are thinking about events and discoveries as you go along. I love the era of this series as well as the characters and this book lives up to expectations. 5 stars.

This is the 5th novel in the Elena Standish series, and the author does a wonderful job pulling together past relationships, occurrences, family members, and character development. I think having read the previous books helped me understand the depth of what was going on although you could read this as a stand alone, but you won't be able to appreciate certain levels of intrigue from the past. The family relationships playing into professional responsiblities was so well done and really brought this story to life.

Also, it is hard for me to conceptualize that some British people (including the royal family?) were pro-Nazi and anti-war going into World War II now that I know what actually happened, so that aspect of the tale was also fascinating (and disturbing). So many books take place during the war and often involve the same elements, so this book featuring pro-Nazi sympathizers in Britain before the war was something related, but also different and new (for me at least).

On the one hand, this was a satisfying conclusion to the Elena Standish series (presumably, this is the last with Anne Perry’s recent death). Over the course of 4 books, Elena has regained her self-confidence and become an effective agent. Her sister, however, still sees Elena as the younger sister with bad judgment that cost her a successful career. On the other hand, this book suffered from abrupt transitions and seemed disjointed at times (perhaps as an ARC, this book hasn’t had a final editing).

If you’re an Anne Perry fan, you’ll want to pick this up.

Thanks to Random House Publishing for acess to an ARC on NetGalley.

An excellent book in this series.Anne Perry never failed to engage me in her exciting storyline with characters that come alive.Sorry to hear of her passing.#netgalley #randomhouse

An excellent story and continuance of this series. The post reading of author stated Anne Perry died in 2023. So very sorry to learn this. She was an excellent author of many books.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Ballentine for allowing me to read this book and give my honest opinion. I found this series on accident and I have been obsessed with it since. I started the book and absorbed it. I stayed up late for two nights and finished. Once I started, I was hooked. Our heroine Elena Standish is asked by her grandfather (the former head of a MI6) to go investigate a murder of another agent. Luckily or coincidentally, her sister is dating a sibling of one of the main suspects. Elena is joined by James Allenby. I LOVED this book. I figured out one of the characters who were at fault but did not suspect the others. Read this book!